millburn.com/julyfour/A happy past winner of the Millburn Bike Parade shows off his handiwork.

In addition to the standard hot dogs, parades and fireworks, these local town celebrations of America’s 234th birthday will include biking events:

Friday, July 2

Manasqaun's party will begin 5:30 pm with a Bicycle-Decorating Contest
at the Manasquan-Brielle Little League Field. A parade will follow at
6:30 pm beginning at the Squan Beach Lifesaving Station at the corner
of Second and Ocean avenues. Call (732) 223-0076 for further information.

Saturday, July 3

Duke Farms in Hillsborough will hold a Scenic Bike Tour. This seven-mile guided ride will take you through a variety of habitats, including native meadows, woodlands, lakes and past waterfalls and sweeping vistas. Participants are required to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear. The leisurely-paced ride includes both paved and gravel roads and some inclines. Bike seats or trailers are encouraged for younger or less secure riders. Advance registration is required at dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

Ocean City is hosting the first of TWO Bike Parades over
the weekend on Saturday.
The Garden’s Civic
Association will hold its event starting at the
Longport Bridge. Registration is at 9:00 am, parade starts at 10:00 am.
The
South Ocean City Parade is set for Monday, July 5 starting at 40th and
Asbury Avenue.

Westville’s Independence Day celebration will kick off at around 2:00 pm on Saturday the 3rd along River Drive with a Bicycle Decorating Contest included in the many events.

Sunday, July 4

Cranford will be holding their Bike Decorating Contest at
Nomahegan Park starting at 1:30 pm, for the following age groups: 4
& under, 5-7 years, and 8-10 years. First, second and third place
trophies will be awarded for each age group. For more information call
the Cranford Recreation & Parks Department at 908-709-7283.

Lebanon Township’s celebration theme this year will be "Through
the Eyes of a Child." The Baby and Bike Parade starts up Main
Street at 12:30 pm. Registration begins at 11:00 am at Sutton Place
(across from the firehouse), with judging at noon. For additional
details see lebanonboro.com/4thofjulyparade/

Maplewood's Independence Day activities will begin with the decorated
bikes and a kazoo band starting the parade at 8:15 am from
Ricalton Square. For more information call (973) 378-2239.

Millburn’s popular Bike, Trike and Stroller Parade will begin at approximately 9:30 am. Children are encouraged to decorate their bikes, strollers, wagons - whatever wheeled contrivance you've got. Prizes will be awarded as well! For additional details go to millburn.com/julyfour

Rocky Hill's celebration will begin 4:00 pm with a Parade of Decorated Bicycles and Scooters from the firehouse on Route 518. The parade will
end at borough hall, where the celebration will continue. Call (609) 924-7445.

South Orange's festivities will start noon at Meadowland Park at
North Ridgewood Road and Mead Street, and will include a Bicycle Rodeo among it's attractions. Call (973) 378-7754 for more info.

Wildwood is having the Patriotic Pooch (and Bike) Parade at 8th and Atlantic avenues. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will parade along the streets of the Wildwoods dressed in patriotic garb alongside decorated bicycles. Prizes will be awarded for the best bikes decorated with a red, white and blue theme, along with prizes for the top three best dressed pooches. Check-in for parade participants will be from 8:00 to 8:45 am at 15th and Atlantic avenues. Call (609) 522-2955 to register.

Monday, July 5

The second of Ocean City's TWO Bike Parades: The
South Ocean City Parade starts at 40th and
Asbury Avenue.

Summit's 63rd Annual 4th of July Celebration will include a Children’s Bicycle Parade beginning at 10:00 am. Local children will decorate
their bikes in a patriotic fashion and receive trophies and
certificates. Last year’s parade had more than 500 participants.
Immediately following the Children’s Bicycle Parade, Polka Dot will host
a kid’s concert with fun sing-a-longs and dancing.

If your town will be including bicycles in their July 4th events, please add the details here in the comments field, or email me at bettybike@jjournal.com